Chennai: Despite several issues of concern, University of Madras has secured 3.32 marks out of 4 to secure “A” grade in the recent assessment done by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) whereas Jayaraj Annapackiam College for Women in Periyakulam has surpassed Madras University with a score of 3.36.
Thanjavur based Sastra University has been given 3.30 mark while B.S. Abdur Rahman university in Chennai was awarded 3.08. The NAAC’s executive committee at its meeting held on May 5 discussed in detail the reports submitted by the inspection committees. The council’s inspection teams had assessed 205 colleges and universities across the country.
Sources in NAAC allege that the inspection committee had cited several issues of concern including the strengthening of varsity’s internal quality cell.
A senior professor at Madras University said that they had expected lesser score this year as for the last five years the university had no big development, both in terms of academic excellence and infrastructure.
“Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi which was started four decades ago has scored 3.9 out of 4 leading the country whereas Madras University started in 1857 has secured 3.32. We need to look what is wrong in the Madras University system,” the senior professor said.
Prof C. Pichandy, vice-president of Association of University Teachers, appealed to the university administration to identify areas of concern and attend to immediately.
“Madras University has lot of potential in several areas. So the pressent administration should take all necessary steps to catch up with JNU in ranking,” he said.
Recollecting how in early 1980s he had taken treatment from the university medical officer, Prof Pichandy, an alumnus of the university, said that the university should write to the state government for a permanent medical officer.
Madras University vice-chancellor Professor R. Thandavan said the varsity has excellent sports facilities and world class amenities. Besides, it had recommended medical facilities for students and faculty on all its campuses. “MU has been a topper among state varsities in this NAAC assessment,” he said.
